Lorain, OH Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Lorain Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Lorain, OH stands out as a budget-friendly short-term rental market where relatively low home values — averaging $239,597 — pair with an above-average revenue-to-price ratio that catches investors' attention. With 22 active Airbnb listings and year-over-year listing growth of 115%, the market is still in an early stage of STR development, offering first-mover advantages. Average annual revenue sits at $24,475, and Lake Erie proximity drives seasonal demand that peaks strongly through the summer months.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Lorain short-term rental market shows:

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Apr, 27 2026.

Why Investors Consider Lorain

Lorain's combination of affordable property prices and lakefront leisure demand creates a compelling entry point for investors seeking strong revenue-to-price ratios in a still-emerging STR market.

Expert Market Assessment

"Lorain presents an attractive opportunity for investors comfortable with seasonal cash-flow patterns and a developing STR market. Revenue swings meaningfully between a peak of $3,447 in August and a January low of $856, so strong financial planning around off-season months is essential. The above-average supply/demand balance and revenue-to-price ratio underpin the market's 73/100 ROI score, suggesting that well-managed properties can generate meaningful returns relative to acquisition costs. Three-bedroom listings, in particular, outperform two-bedrooms across every metric, making them the clear configuration to target."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Lorain

Average revenue by month in Lorain

Lorain's revenue follows a sharp seasonal curve, peaking in August at $3,447 and bottoming in January at just $856 — a 4x spread that underscores the importance of summer months. The strongest earning window runs June through August, while November through February represents the off-season trough investors should budget around.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Lorain

The market's 22 active listings are concentrated in just two size categories: 9 three-bedroom and 8 two-bedroom properties. The absence of larger or studio/1-bedroom listings could signal opportunity for investors willing to differentiate with unique property configurations.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Lorain

ADR scales modestly from $140 for 2-bedroom units to $159 for 3-bedrooms, a $19 premium that likely comes with manageable incremental operating costs. Both figures sit below the $200 market-wide average, suggesting that occasional premium or larger properties in the market pull that overall figure upward.

Average RevPAN by property size in Lorain

Three-bedroom properties deliver a RevPAN of $39 compared to $26 for 2-bedrooms, representing a 50% advantage in revenue efficiency. This gap makes 3-bedroom units the stronger play for investors focused on maximizing income per available night.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Lorain

Three-bedroom listings maintain a 25% occupancy rate versus 19% for 2-bedrooms, indicating stronger demand and more consistent booking activity for the larger configuration. Both figures leave room for improvement through better pricing optimization and marketing, particularly during off-peak months.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Lorain

Three-bedroom properties average $2,431 per month — roughly 52% more than the $1,594 earned by 2-bedroom listings. This meaningful revenue gap makes a strong case for targeting 3-bedroom acquisitions in the Lorain market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Lorain

Annually, 3-bedroom properties generate approximately $29,181 compared to $19,133 for 2-bedrooms, a difference of over $10,000. Against Lorain's average home value of $239,597, the 3-bedroom configuration offers a noticeably better gross yield and faster path to return on investment.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Lorain

Kitchens and parking dominate at 96% prevalence, while self check-in (91%), laundry facilities (82%), and outdoor living features like BBQ grills (77%) and patios (73%) are near-essential. Notably, 46% of listings advertise lake access or waterfront positioning, confirming that proximity to Lake Erie is a significant competitive differentiator in this market.

Understanding Lorain's ROI Score: 73/100

Rabbu's ROI Score is a proprietary metric that evaluates short-term rental investment potential based on multiple factors.

How the ROI Score is Calculated

What This Means for Investors

Lorain's ROI score of 73 out of 100 places it in the 'Attractive Opportunity' band, driven primarily by an above-average revenue-to-price ratio that reflects strong earning potential relative to the market's affordable home values. Occupancy stability and market growth trend score as average, while the supply/demand balance leans above average — a favorable combination for a market with only 22 active listings. Investors should pair these metrics with thorough local regulatory research and a clear plan for managing seasonal revenue swings.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Lorain

Understanding local STR regulations is essential before investing in Lorain. Here's the current regulatory landscape:

Permit Requirements

Short-term rental operators in Lorain, Ohio may need to obtain a local business registration or STR permit before listing their property. Investors should verify current requirements directly with the City of Lorain and the Ohio Department of Taxation to ensure full compliance.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions that may apply include occupancy limits, minimum-stay requirements, noise ordinances, and parking regulations. HOA rules can impose additional constraints in certain neighborhoods, so reviewing deed restrictions and community bylaws before purchasing is essential.

Tax Obligations

Ohio requires short-term rental operators to collect and remit state sales tax and, in many localities, a lodging or transient occupancy tax. Platforms like Airbnb often handle some tax collection on behalf of hosts, but investors should confirm their obligations with the Ohio Department of Taxation to avoid surprises.

Regulations subject to change. Always verify with local authorities before purchasing. A Rabbu partner agent specializing in Lorain can provide current regulatory guidance.

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Lorain's STR market is expected to continue expanding as investor interest grows alongside the city's lakeside appeal. Summer months should remain the primary revenue driver, with August-level peaks potentially sustaining ADRs in the $200–$220 range during high season. Occupancy rates, currently at 21% overall, may gradually firm up as the market matures and hosts refine pricing strategies — we estimate annual occupancy could settle in the 23–27% range. Investors should plan for pronounced seasonality, budgeting conservatively for winter months when revenue can dip below $900."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Lorain, OH

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Lorain?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Lorain is currently 21%, which falls below the Ohio state average of 34%. Occupancy varies by property size, with 3-bedroom listings achieving 25% and 2-bedroom units at 19%. Seasonal demand concentrated around the summer months is a key factor in the overall rate, and hosts who optimize pricing and minimum-stay settings may see improved results.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Lorain?

On average, Airbnb hosts in Lorain earn approximately $2,039 per month, or about $24,475 annually, based on trailing 12-month performance data. Three-bedroom properties tend to earn significantly more — around $2,431 per month ($29,181 annually) — while 2-bedroom listings average $1,594 per month ($19,133 annually). Peak summer months like August can push monthly revenue above $3,400.

Is Lorain a good market for Airbnb investment?

Lorain scores a 73 out of 100 on Rabbu's ROI Score, earning an 'Attractive Opportunity' rating. The market benefits from an above-average revenue-to-price ratio thanks to affordable home values averaging $239,597, and the supply/demand balance is favorable with only 22 active listings. Investors should factor in pronounced seasonality and below-state-average occupancy, but the low barrier to entry and growing market make it a compelling option for those looking to maximize returns relative to acquisition cost.

What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Lorain?

The average daily rate in Lorain is $200, which is below the Ohio state average of $250. Rates vary by property size: 2-bedroom listings average $140 per night, while 3-bedroom properties command $159. Properties with premium amenities like lake access, hot tubs, or waterfront positioning can often exceed these averages.

Are short-term rentals legal in Lorain?

Short-term rentals are generally permitted in Lorain, OH, though operators may need to obtain appropriate permits or registrations from the city. Local zoning, HOA rules, and state tax obligations may apply. We recommend checking directly with the City of Lorain and the Ohio Department of Taxation for the most current regulatory requirements before listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Lorain?

Peak season in Lorain runs from June through August, with August being the highest-earning month at an average of $3,447 in revenue. July follows closely at $3,078. The summer surge is driven by Lake Erie recreation and warm-weather tourism. The slowest months are January ($856) and December ($1,225), reflecting a roughly 4x spread between peak and off-peak revenue.

How many Airbnbs are there in Lorain?

As of April 2026, there are 22 active Airbnb listings in Lorain. The market is split primarily between 2-bedroom properties (8 listings) and 3-bedroom properties (9 listings). Year-over-year listing growth of 115% indicates that the market is expanding rapidly, though the overall supply remains modest.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Lorain?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Lorain are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — they are not forward-looking projections. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and roll the remainder up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months, since each month uses its own historical performance. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and how actively the listing is managed.

About Rabbu Market Data

Rabbu provides Airbnb and short-term rental market data and statistics across the United States. Our mission is to empower investors with accurate insights and easy-to-use tools, so they can confidently identify and act on the best opportunities in the Airbnb market.

What this data includes

• Regularly updated active Airbnb and STR listing counts for Lorain, OH
• Occupancy rates and average daily rate (ADR) trends across property sizes
• Monthly and annual revenue metrics based on trailing 12-month booking data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Data aggregated from Rabbu proprietary analytics and third-party providers for consistency

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages as of April 2026 and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, zoning rules, and tax obligations vary — investors should verify compliance requirements with local authorities before purchasing.